Allplan vs Chief Architect
Allplan
allplan.com
Chief Architect
chiefarchitect.comSide by side
| Figure | Allplan | Chief Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €123/mo | $166.25/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Architectural CAD Software | 8.7 (#2) | 8.5 (#6) |
| Spec score · Architecture Design software | 8.7 (#2) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Spec score · Architectural Design Software | 8.7 (#3) | 8.4 (#8) |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 8.7 (#5) | 8.6 (#8) |
| Spec score · 3D Architecture Software | 8.7 (#3) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Company | ALLPLAN describes itself as a global provider of BIM design software for the AEC industry and part of the Nemetschek Group. | Chief Architect, Inc. is privately held, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and says its software began in 1992. |
| Founded | 2008 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States |
| Support | ALLPLAN technical support is provided by experienced architects and structural engineers, with contacts routed by region or through sales partners. | Priority support is available for X17 and X18; versions X14–X16 have paid per-incident support for $125, and X13 and earlier are ineligible. |
Plans
Allplan
- ALLPLAN Basic€123 a month
- ALLPLAN Concept€210 a month
- ALLPLAN Professional€263 a month
- ALLPLAN Ultimate€353 a month
Chief Architect
- Chief Architect Premier$229 a month
- Chief Architect Premier$1,995 a year
In their own words
Allplan
ALLPLAN is interdisciplinary BIM software for architecture, engineering and construction, supporting work from design through construction. Its workflows bring together building and infrastructure modeling, detailing, fabrication and construction planning. It covers architecture, structural and MEP engineering, civil and bridge engineering, precast detailing and construction site planning. Cloud services support project and office teamwork, coordination, and distribution of drawings and plans. For exchanging data, it supports IFC 2x3 and IFC 4, DWG/DXF, PDF, SketchUp and Rhino. Programming options include Python parametric PythonParts, Visual Scripting and the NOI interface for add-ons. The four listed plans are Basic at €123 a month, Concept at €210 a month, Professional at €263 a month and Ultimate at €353 a month. A 14-day trial is available, but there is no free plan. ALLPLAN lists iOS, macOS, web and Windows platforms; its 2026 system requirements name Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025, and also note additional requirements for Mac installation.
Chief Architect
Chief Architect Premier is 3D design software for residential and light commercial work, including remodeling, kitchens, baths, and interiors. Drawing walls and placing architectural objects builds a 3D model and produces materials lists and construction documents such as site plans, framing plans, sections, and elevations. Materials lists can include quantities, unit and labor costs, markup, and project costs, and update as the design changes. For presentation, the software supports realistic and artistic rendering, 360-degree renderings, virtual tours, and walkthrough videos. Its 3D Library contains objects such as fixtures, appliances, millwork, furnishings, and manufacturer-specific products. It imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files, and imports OBJ, SKP, STL, and DAE. The As-Built app uses LiDAR on supported iPhones and iPads to create room models for remodeling. The trial does not expire, but saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours are disabled. Premier costs $229 a month, billed $229/mo.